Controls Engineer

Job Title: Controls Engineer
Job Description

The Controls Engineer provides technical expertise to optimize highly automated manufacturing equipment and processes through visual systems, automation, and advanced levels of process control.
This role develops, plans, organizes, and leads reliability and continuous improvement projects within the plant, while providing day-to-day technical support to Operations and Maintenance. Approximately 80% of the workload focuses on project-based controls engineering, with the remaining 20% dedicated to troubleshooting and resolving complex automation and control issues.

• Supportive work culture with opportunity for growth, training and professional development

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support to Operations and Maintenance as needed, including on-the-floor troubleshooting of PLCs, HMIs, motors, drives, and robotics.
• Program, modify, and troubleshoot PLCs and HMIs to support new equipment, upgrades, and process changes.
• Support and troubleshoot Fanuc robotic systems, including robot programming and integration with other automation systems.
• Analyze process and production data to define problems, determine effective solutions, and measure the success of implemented improvements.
• Work independently on smaller projects from conception through completion, including hands-on implementation and commissioning of solutions.
• Lead and contribute to continuous improvement and Six Sigma
• Support and lead plant industrial electrical systems, including troubleshooting and improving electrical infrastructure and controls.
• Lead and participate in process improvement activities with multi-discipline technical staff, maintenance personnel, and production teams.
• Mentor and coach employees to increase their knowledge of equipment, automation systems, and production processes.

Essential Skills

• Experience working in manufacturing (preference is 5+ years)
• Proficient in Allen Bradley PLCs, HMIs and motors/drives
• Fanuc Robot programming experience
• Associates Degree in Engineering (would consider someone without a degree if they have 8+ years experience in similar role)
• Ability to analyze data to define problems, determine solutions, and measure successful implementation of solutions (verified by references)

"Nice to have" Skills & Qualifications

• Extrusion experience
• PLC programming from scratch
• Bachelor's degree in engineering

Work Environment

Working alongside three other controls engineers in the plant, forming a small, collaborative automation team.
First-shift role, typically running from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The dress code is casual, but the position is hands-on, and the engineer should expect to get dirty while working directly on machines and equipment on the plant floor.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of KALAMAZOO, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $52.88 - $62.50/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in KALAMAZOO,MI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 1, 2026.
About Actalent


Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.


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